Study to determine the possible hazard of methylmercury in seafood to the fetus in utero. Final report, 1980-1985
This study was conducted to determine the possible hazards of methylmercury (MeHg) in seafood to the fetus in utero. Hair and blood samples of pregnant women in New Bedford, MA, Manta, Ecuador, and Mancora, Peru (all areas of high seafood consumption) were examined. These samples were collected and studied at various stages of gestation and during pre- and post-natal periods. In some cases, blood and hair samples of some of the infants born to these women were also examined. The women of Manta and Mancora showed higher levels of MeHg than the women in New Bedford. However, no health hazards could be linked to any of the infants from the ingestion of MeHg in marine fish. Although no human data exist, experimental evidence suggests marine fish may contain elements that reduce the toxicity of MeHg and it's possible that selenium contributes to the protective effect of fish vs. grain diets. Tables of MeHg levels in the study groups are attached to the report.
- Research Organization:
- National Fisheries Inst., Inc., Washington, DC (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5873622
- Report Number(s):
- PB-89-184519/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AGE GROUPS
ANIMALS
BODY
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHILDREN
DIET
DOCUMENT TYPES
EMBRYOS
FEMALES
FISH PRODUCTS
FOOD
HAIR
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INFANTS
MAMMALS
MAN
MATERIALS
MERCURY COMPOUNDS
METHYLMERCURY
MONITORING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC MERCURY COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PREGNANCY
PRIMATES
PROGRESS REPORT
SEAFOOD
SKIN
TABLES
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES
WOMEN